Gabon Coach Unveils Plans to Counter Osimhen Threat in Crucial World Cup Playoff
The stage is set for a high-stakes World Cup playoff clash between Nigeria and Gabon, with both teams’ technical crews making strategic preparations ahead of their November 13 encounter in Morocco. The match represents a crucial step in both nations’ quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The winner of this African playoff tournament, which features four teams, will advance to compete in Mexico against five other international teams for two coveted World Cup spots. The tournament’s ultimate winners will secure their places in the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has emphasized the importance of nationwide support as the Super Eagles embark on this challenging campaign. “We need total support from our fans because we play every match under pressure,” Chelle stated, expressing confidence in his squad while stressing the need for mental preparation and collective focus.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to announce the squad list today, following extensive planning that began immediately after the conclusion of Group C’s final qualifying matches. The team will commence their preparation in Rabat, Morocco, with training scheduled to begin on Monday.
In a significant development, Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma has revealed his team’s intent to implement specialized defensive tactics against Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen. The Napoli forward has demonstrated his prowess during the qualifiers, scoring an impressive six goals in just five appearances, including a memorable hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin on October 14.
Mouyouma acknowledged the complexity of containing Osimhen, highlighting the striker’s versatility as a particular challenge. “This type of player can be unpredictable, but he also loves playing in behind,” Mouyouma explained, adding that dealing with Osimhen’s aerial threat during set pieces adds another layer of tactical complexity.
The winner of the Nigeria-Gabon match will face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the decisive African playoff game, with both matches scheduled for November 13. The outcome will determine which nation advances to the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, where two World Cup qualification spots will be at stake.
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